Macquarie Dictionary Blog: Archives
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Plum Pudding
Dec 07, 2012 | 0 Comments
Where are the plums in the plum pudding? Read more...
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Words that have extended their meanings
Oct 19, 2012 | 0 Comments
Over time, language changes and evolves. When the meaning of a word changes or evolves, and there is sufficient evidence to support this new meaning, it is the dictionary’s duty to record it. If you look in a dictionary at any entry with more than one definition, you are probably looking at a word which, through use over time, has developed meanings beyond its original sense. Read more...
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A Response from the Editor on 'misogyny'
Oct 18, 2012 | 0 Comments
In response to the various emails, posts, tweets, etc., from the public about the definition of the word misogyny, the editors would like to make the following comments. Read more..
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MI·SOG·Y·NY. Hijacked by pedants
Oct 18, 2012 | 0 Comments
Macquarie in the news
I'm starting to feel pretty worn down by the commentary surrounding the Prime Minister's speach on sexism and misogyny. Not because the debate has been heated (it has) not because it's been partisan (it has) and not even because it has been used as a springboard for even more sexist insults directed not just at the PM, but at women in general (if you are a masochist, have a look at the comments on Andrew Blot's blog). Read more...
MI·SOG·Y·NY. Hijacked by pedants | Corinne Grant | The Hoopla
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A Letter From the Editor on 'misogyny'
Oct 17, 2012 | 0 Comments
As Editor of the Macquarie Dictionary, I picture myself as the woman with the mop and broom and bucket cleaning the language off the floor after the party is over. And in this case it was quite a party. Read more...
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Kindys or kindies?
Oct 03, 2012 | 0 Comments
A contributor recently pointed out the appearance of 'kindys' in a local newspaper headline. Read more...
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Literally screaming with excitement
Aug 24, 2012 | 0 Comments
We have long been aware of the use of 'literally' to give emphasis to what follows. This is another one of those usage debates that has gone on for centuries. Read more...
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Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia
Jul 18, 2012 | 0 Comments
Now available as an ebook!
Download this award-winning publication direct to your iPad for access to over 250 maps ranging across various historical, social, cultural, political and environmental themes, plus hundreds of photographs, insets, charts and diagrams. Read more...
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Difference between dependent & dependant
Jul 03, 2012 | 0 Comments
What is the difference between dependent and dependant? Read more...
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Bogan
Jun 21, 2012 | 0 Comments
The word bogan entered Australian English in the 1980s and was included in the second edition of the Macquarie Dictionary, published in 1991. Read more...
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The change in meaning of 'hoi polloi'
May 31, 2012 | 1 Comment
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Pavlova and Anzac biscuits
Apr 26, 2012 | 0 Comments
You may be aware that Australians have reluctantly agreed that the pavlova is not an Australian creation but a New Zealand one. Read more...